Herschel Interpretive Centre Offers Evocative Journey

source: Farm and Food Report

Ancient Echoes’ Seasonal Coordinator Crystal Craig recalls the eerie magnificence of the full moon hike up to one of the most revered archaeological sites in the province.

“When you walk at night to the petroglyphs, the sounds are different — you can hear the coyote and the breeze brushing on the native prairie grasses. At night, the rock carvings assume a more vivid presence in a way. These ancient rocks shaped by Aboriginal artists 1,500 years ago come to life through the shadows created by flashlights.”

Rock art experts know little about the exact significance of these sacred sites. Craig fully understands the stewardship responsibilities she and her community have taken on with this interpretive centre.

“When our elementary school closed, and we knew we had this remarkable archaeological resource in our midst, it made sense for us to use the school as a centre for the interpretation of local archaeological, palaeontological and ecological environments. High Hopes R.D.C. acquired the building as an economic development opportunity, and Ancient Echoes was formed with a Board of Directors that included representatives from the R.M., the village council, two members-at-large, and the landowners on whose property we walk.”

From the empty school, a new place of learning emerged. Herschel and its 35 souls were at a turning point. Guests were invited to browse through the displays of local traditional plants and herbs. They could familiarize themselves with petroglyphs, Aboriginal heritage and the rich fossil finds that have yielded - so far - three plesiosaurs.

The Centre offers tours of Coal Mine Ravine and of the petroglyphs. Visitors can also enjoy hot or cold drinks in the Tea Room, along with delicious homebaked goodies such as saskatoon berry pie.

“What we try to do is preserve, protect and educate citizens about the treasures we have in the area,” explains Craig. “This is very much a community project. When people come to visit us, the hike itself is often the most noteworthy experience. They soak themselves in the past. That is the experience we offer. Some people might even pray when they are taken to the petroglyphs; others are in awe when we go over the rough terrain on this intimate adventure as a small group, where no marked trail attests to human presence.”

The rhythms of the season, the hawks, the deer and the eagles; the wildflowers and this native, unbroken prairie are all elements that contribute to a memorable visit to Ancient Echoes Interpretive Centre.

“Last year, we welcomed over 2,000 visitors, including the Tea Room guests. We get basically two types of reactions from people. There are those who live not too far away who tell us they had no idea that grizzly bears used to inhabit this region; that the buffalo herds migrated through this area; nor had they any idea of the significance of Eagle Creek through the ages. Then you have the other visitors from farther away, who are just moved when they simply hike the native prairie upland, overlooking this large track of farmland below. It is hard to remain stoic when the contrasts between the millennia are right in your face.”

The gophers, the vision quest site, and the buffalo rubbing stone fascinate visitors equally.

Inside the Interpretive Centre, the Exhibit Room features an 18-painting collection titled The Disappearance and Resurgence of the Plains Buffalo, by Metis artist Jo Cooper. The exhibit tells the story of the Plains Nations whose lives revolved around the buffalo, and how the changes throughout history brought about their decline and near extinction.

Ancient Echoes is thrilled about one particular development planned for the summer, according to Craig:

“The Royal Saskatchewan Museum paleontologists will be excavating two plesiosaurs in our valley during the month of June, and visitors will be allowed on the site for two 30-minute periods each day. It’ll be a real awakening for many to discover that our little part of the world was once entirely under water.”

The Great Plains in Saskatchewan are indeed multi-faceted.

For more information, contact:
Crystal Craig
Ancient Echoes Interpretive Centre
(306) 377-2045
or (306) 948-2801

25 Year as a Crop Reporter Deserves Recognition

source: Farm and Food Report

Wilmer Sawatsky was just minding his own business a quarter of a century ago, earning an honest living as a farmer, when he was approached by the local departmental agronomist.

“He told me I would make a great crop reporter. It is a volunteer position, but relatively simple to do. You measure and record the rainfall. You are handed this chart you can hang on the wall and you basically write how much it rains over a week.”

It involves a lot more than that. Crop reporters are Saskatchewan’s eyes, witnessing and sharing the state of the province’s crops for government and the public. For 27 weeks, starting on April 1st every year, around 300 crop reporters report.

“In the spring, we write what grains are seeded, what percentages of grains are in the ground,” Sawatsky says. “Sometimes, I go to the elevator to investigate because in the fall we have to find out what percentage of the crop is number 1, 2 or 3 wheat. At the elevator, they generally know better than anybody. And we just provide the best information we can access for everyone’s benefit — it is as fresh as can be.”

On March 18th, the Crop Reporters who have served from 1980 to 2004 (25 years) were given special recognition for their commitment of service to Saskatchewan. Six of them — including Sawatsky — took up an invitation to attend a celebration in their honour in the provincial capital.

They were shown the crop report program area at Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food, where all the information is gathered and compiled; they were given a special tour of the Legislature; introduced to the House; and invited to have lunch with Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman, who presented them a commemorative plaque. “It was very nice,” Sawatsky says.

“It is funny how this activity becomes part of your day-to-day routine after a while. You are supposed to phone in your results on Sunday between noon and 10:00 p.m., or Monday morning between 6:00 and 9:00 a.m. We used to mail it in. Now, we can fax it or phone it in. The information is made available to the media by Monday at noon. The turnaround time is very short.”

Being a good crop reporter requires precision. When asked about soil moisture, one must check off surplus, adequate, short or very short. The moisture is measured in the four top inches of soil.

On crop damage, there are a few options as well: no crop damage, frost, hail, wind, drought, crop disease, flooding or other.

“There is also a general comment section. It is intended for agronomic information, but sometimes a few words on the Riders’ recent performance inadvertently make their way to the data gathering point. Statistics are statistics.”

During haying season, reporters are asked for crop condition and yield. These dedicated reporters gather agricultural information of all types: are there enough seeds available? What about chemicals? Are there shortages in the area?

Has Sawatsky ever missed a deadline?

“They don’t like it if you miss a week. They’ll let you get away with it once in a while. To tell you the truth, sometimes on Sunday afternoon, you just get busy doing something else and all of a sudden you remember you have to look after the report. It can creep back on you at times if you get too comfortable.”

There is usually at least one crop reporter per rural municipality — sometimes three for large areas. Crop reporters are a precious resource worth looking after.

“I said I was quitting before,” quips Sawatsky. “I’m retired now. Well, they convinced me to stay on for another year. I guess I’ll stick around for a little while longer.”

For more information, contact:
Terry Bedard
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
(306) 787-5956